Search research articles

ABOUT JoVE

Overview Leadership Blog JoVE Help Center

AUTHORS

Publishing Process Editorial Board Scope & Policies Peer Review FAQ Submit

LIBRARIANS

Testimonials Subscriptions Access Resources Library Advisory Board FAQ

RESEARCH

JoVE Journal Methods Collections JoVE Encyclopedia of Experiments Archive

EDUCATION

JoVE Core JoVE Business JoVE Science Education JoVE Lab Manual Faculty Resource Center Faculty Site

Terms & Conditions of Use

Related Concept Videos

Lifestyle Factors and Health

Lifestyle Factors and Health

Lifestyle factors play a critical role in maintaining overall health and preventing chronic diseases. Key elements, such as regular physical activity, a nutritious diet, and abstinence from smoking, can significantly enhance physical, mental, and emotional well-being while reducing the risk of several life-threatening conditions.
Benefits of Physical Activity
Physical activity, whether through structured exercise or casual activities like walking, biking, or dancing, is a cornerstone of a...

Methods Of Healthcare Delivery System

Methods Of Healthcare Delivery System

At the different levels of the healthcare system, we see varying methods of healthcare used. These methods include managed care systems, case management, and primary healthcare.
Managed Care System:
The managed care system is designed to control the cost while maintaining the quality of care. The patient's care from admission to discharge is planned by the primary care provider or the case manager, also known as the gatekeeper. In a managed care system, the number of care providers is limited...

Healthcare Agencies I

Healthcare Agencies I

Healthcare agencies provide healthcare services to people. In the United States, voluntary agencies are often non-profit centers sponsored by donations, grants, or fundraisers. One such organization is Meals on Wheels, which provides meals to the elderly and homebound. The American Heart Association and the American Lung Association are other non-profit community organizations. Doctors and nurses are frequently active members of these organizations, which offer health checks and educational...

Kidney Transplant I: Introduction

Kidney Transplant I: Introduction

A kidney transplant is a surgical approach that involves replacing a non-functioning kidney with a healthy one from a donor. This procedure is often a treatment option for end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients. The method requires careful recipient selection, including evaluating various medical and psychosocial factors. These criteria vary between transplant centers but generally include assessments of the patient's overall health, adherence to medical recommendations, and lifestyle...

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation III: AED Use

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation III: AED Use

Introduction to AEDAn Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is a portable medical device that analyzes the heart's rhythm and, if necessary, delivers an electrical shock to help the heart re-establish an effective rhythm during sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). SCA occurs when the heart suddenly and unexpectedly stops beating, leading to a loss of blood flow to the brain and other vital organs. In such emergencies, time is of the essence, and using an AED, combined with Cardiopulmonary...

Obesity

Obesity

The Body Mass Index (BMI) is a numerical value derived from a person's weight and height, used to categorize individuals into weight ranges. It is calculated using the formula: weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared. Obesity is a health condition characterized by excessive accumulation of adipose tissue that poses health risks, often diagnosed with a BMI ≥ 30. This excess fat storage occurs when surplus dietary calories are converted into triglycerides and stored in adipocytes...

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by

Same author

Quality. Awash with good ideas.

The Health service journal·2011

Same author

Analysis. Space invaders.

The Health service journal·2004

Same author

Hope springs eternal. Interview by Alastair McLellan.

The Health service journal·2003

Same author

Open space. Take five.

The Health service journal·2002

Search research articles

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 10, 2026

A Modified Sonographic Algorithm for Image Acquisition in Life-Threatening Emergencies in the Critically Ill Newborn

A Modified Sonographic Algorithm for Image Acquisition in Life-Threatening Emergencies in the Critically Ill Newborn

Published on: April 7, 2023

Can lean save lives?

David Fillingham¹

¹Bolton Hospitals NHS Trust, Royal Bolton Hospital, Bolton, UK. david.fillingham@rbh.nhs.uk

Leadership in Health Services (Bradford, England)

|August 12, 2010

Summary

Lean methodologies, adapted from the Toyota Production System, show promise in improving patient care and staff morale within healthcare settings. Early results suggest this approach can save lives and inspire healthcare professionals.

Area of Science:

Healthcare Management
Process Improvement
Systems Engineering

Background:

Lean methodologies, originating from the Toyota Production System, are widely recognized for their success in manufacturing.
The application of lean principles in healthcare is an emerging area of research and practice.
Bolton Hospitals NHS Trust initiated an 18-month exploration into adapting lean for healthcare.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the feasibility and impact of applying lean methodologies within a UK National Health Service (NHS) Trust.
To determine if lean principles, derived from the Toyota Production System, can be effectively integrated into healthcare delivery.
To assess the potential of lean to enhance patient care and operational efficiency in a hospital setting.

Main Methods:

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jun 10, 2026

A Modified Sonographic Algorithm for Image Acquisition in Life-Threatening Emergencies in the Critically Ill Newborn

A Modified Sonographic Algorithm for Image Acquisition in Life-Threatening Emergencies in the Critically Ill Newborn

Published on: April 7, 2023

This paper presents a viewpoint based on practical experience.
The study involved an 18-month exploration period at Bolton Hospitals NHS Trust.
The methodology focused on adapting and developing lean principles for healthcare staff ownership.

Main Results:

Early experiences indicate that lean methodologies can significantly contribute to saving lives in a healthcare context.
While direct translation of the Toyota Production System is not feasible, valuable lessons can be learned and adapted.
The adapted lean approach has been developed to be owned by healthcare staff, focusing on improved patient care.

Conclusions:

Applying lean methodologies in healthcare, specifically at Bolton Hospitals NHS Trust, has shown positive early results.
The implementation of lean has provided inspiration and encouragement to healthcare staff facing a stressful work environment.
Lean adaptation in healthcare holds potential for enhancing both patient outcomes and staff well-being.